How did the Star of David originate?

This popular Jewish symbol is a six-pointed star formed by two overlapping equilateral triangles. It appears on many synagogues and also on the national flag of Israel. The star symbol is very old and was used as a decoration by many ancient cultures, from Britain to Mesopotamia.

The symbol became connected with magic and protection, along with the pentagram or five-pointed star.

During the last two centuries the six-pointed star has become a
Jewish symbol. One motive was the desire to have a common Jewish identification similar to the Christian cross.